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One of the marvels of modern motorcars is the fewer maintenance operations. While routine greasing tasks have not been eradicated, at least DIYers do not have to face a plethora of greasing jobs every 3000-6000 miles. Even so, modern motorcars utilise grease, not all of which is the same.
According to Adrian ‘Ade’ Hill, Technical Manager of Morris Lubricants in Shrewsbury, our technical partner for this feature:
“The most common misconception among DIYs and the motor trade is that multipurpose grease can be used for everything.”
This feature, therefore, investigates issues that tend to be overlooked. These include grease composition, how it works, why it fails, what different types are available and how a DIYer should use it to ensure maximum component life.
Back to basics
Even on electric vehicles, modern motorcars have multiple lubrication needs. Many of these are selected carefully by manufacturers and their suppliers. In areas, where liquid oil will leak out, grease is employed, instead.
By suspending the oil in a thicker substance, a component can still be lubricated, without the oil escaping. Apart from acting as a lubrication reservoir, grease reduces component noise and vibration. It also can hold solid particles in suspension and its strong molecular chain prevents it from breaking
